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2E193 Career Guide

Air Force

2E193: Client Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Client Systems Technician (2E193)

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Tech Roles You Could Aim For

Real industry tech roles your 2E193 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Systems Administrator

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1244
High match

Your experience deploying, sustaining, and troubleshooting client systems directly translates to systems administration. You're familiar with hardware and software management, operating system configuration, and network fundamentals. Your work with systems like the Air Force Network (AFNET) gives you a strong foundation for managing enterprise network infrastructure.

Typical stack:

Linux and/or Windows ServerScripting (Bash, PowerShell, Python)Backup and DR practicesMonitoringPatch management

IT Support Specialist (Help Desk)

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1232
High match

Your primary duty of providing IT support to end-users aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of a Computer User Support Specialist. Your experience with troubleshooting, hardware repair, software installation, and account management makes you well-prepared for this role.

Typical stack:

Windows and macOS troubleshootingActive Directory basicsTicketing systemsCustomer communicationDocumentation

Security Engineer

Security

SOC 15-1212
Good match

Your experience reporting security incidents and executing corrective security procedures, along with your work with Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) and Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS), provides a solid foundation for cybersecurity. Your training in cybersecurity fundamentals is also highly relevant.

Typical stack:

Networking and OS internalsCryptography fundamentalsThreat modelingCloud security (IAM, VPC)Code review for security

Network Engineer

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1241
Good match

Your experience with voice network configuration, PWCS, and network fundamentals provides a good starting point for a Network Engineer role. Your familiarity with the Air Force Network (AFNET) and troubleshooting network issues is also valuable.

Typical stack:

TCP/IP fundamentalsRouting protocols (BGP, OSPF)Firewall and VPN configurationCloud networkingCisco or Juniper hands-on

DevOps Engineer

DevOps / Platform

SOC 15-1244
Moderate match

Your experience in project management, system modeling, and managing hardware and software configurations can be leveraged in a DevOps environment. Your background in maintaining and troubleshooting client systems also provides a foundation for understanding infrastructure as code principles.

Typical stack:

CI/CD tooling (GitHub Actions, GitLab, Jenkins)Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Pulumi)Containers (Docker, Kubernetes)Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)Linux

Skills You Already Have

Concrete bridges from 2E193 experience to tech-industry practice.

  • Hardware Troubleshooting and RepairDiagnosing and resolving hardware issues in computer systems
  • Operating System Installation and ConfigurationInstalling, configuring, and managing various operating systems
  • Network FundamentalsUnderstanding of network protocols, topologies, and security concepts
  • Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS)Experience with mobile device management and wireless communication technologies
  • Procedural ComplianceFollowing established protocols and maintaining high standards of quality
  • Remedy Action Request SystemTicketing systems such as ServiceNow or Jira Service Management

Skills to Learn

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not generic.

Linux system administrationScripting with Bash or PythonCloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Configuration management tools (Ansible, Chef, or Puppet)Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) toolsPenetration testing methodologiesFundamentals of computer networking (CCNA level)Network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios)Customer service and communication skillsHelp desk ticketing systems (e.g., Zendesk, Freshdesk)

How VWC fits

Vets Who Code accelerates the parts we teach — software engineering fundamentals, web development, AI tooling. For everything else above, the path is doable independently with the resources we link to.

See VWC Programs

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E193 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Computer Support Specialist

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Network Administrator

$88K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+

Help Desk Technician

$48K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Excellent customer service skillsCompTIA A+

Information Security Analyst

$105K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Security+Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks

IT Project Manager

$95K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologiesScrum Master certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E193 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You understand how different hardware and software components interact within a complex network, allowing you to predict and diagnose system-wide issues.

This ability to visualize and understand interconnected systems translates to designing, analyzing, and improving complex processes in various industries.

Rapid Prioritization

In a deployed environment, you constantly assess the urgency and impact of network issues, deciding which problems to tackle first to minimize disruption.

This skill allows you to quickly evaluate competing demands, allocate resources effectively, and make critical decisions under pressure in fast-paced civilian roles.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're adept at maintaining essential network functions even when systems are damaged or resources are limited, finding creative workarounds to keep things running.

This adaptability and resourcefulness is highly valuable in crisis management, disaster recovery, and any situation requiring innovative problem-solving under duress.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere to strict technical data, instructions, and work standards when performing maintenance, ensuring consistent and reliable network performance.

This commitment to following established protocols and maintaining high standards of quality is essential in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199.05

You've been trained to anticipate disruptions and develop strategies to maintain critical operations under adverse conditions. Your experience in degraded-mode operations and system modeling makes you ideally suited to ensuring business resilience.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044.00

You've developed a knack for explaining complex technical issues to end-users and ensuring their operational readiness. Your understanding of client-level voice and data network functions equips you with the knowledge to be an effective instructor.

IT Risk Manager

SOC 11-3021.00

You've rigorously reported and addressed security incidents. With experience interpreting malfunctions and prescribing corrective action, you're in a strong position to assess IT vulnerabilities, develop mitigation strategies, and protect organizations from cyber threats.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Client Systems Technician Course, Keesler AFB, MS

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Operating System Installation and Configuration
  • Hardware Troubleshooting and Repair
  • Network Fundamentals
  • Client-Server Architecture
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • Voice Network Configuration
  • Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS)
  • Project Management

Certification Pathways

Ready to Certify

CompTIA A+

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Focus on detailed understanding of networking protocols (OSI model), advanced routing and switching concepts, and network security best practices beyond basic configuration.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Study advanced cryptography, risk management frameworks, incident response procedures, and compliance regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) not directly covered in the military role.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)50% covered

Requires in-depth study of Cisco-specific networking hardware, IOS command-line interface, and Cisco's proprietary networking protocols and technologies.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)ITIL 4 FoundationCertified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
Automated Message Handling System (AMHS)Secure email gateways and messaging platforms
Air Force Network (AFNET)Enterprise network infrastructure
Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)Secure VoIP and telecommunications systems
Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS)Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions
Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI)Hardware Security Modules (HSM)
Remedy Action Request SystemServiceNow, Jira Service Management

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